Which component of the VRIO framework relates to whether a resource can be easily substituted?

The correct answer highlights the component of the VRIO framework known as imitability. This aspect focuses on how difficult it is for competing firms to replicate or substitute a resource. When a resource is hard to imitate, it often provides a sustained competitive advantage, as competitors may struggle to find alternatives that can deliver the same value or performance. In contrast, resources that can be easily substituted do not create significant barriers for competitors, diminishing their strategic value.

For example, if a company's proprietary technology or unique capabilities are easily replicable or substitutable by competitors, then those resources would not maintain a lasting competitive advantage. Hence, when evaluating a resource's potential contribution to a firm's success, understanding its imitability—specifically its substitutability—is crucial in determining its strategic importance. This concept allows organizations to assess whether their resources are likely to remain advantageous in a competitive landscape.